Learn How To Install a Rain Barrel at Manasquan Event

Catching rain water and recycling it for irrigation and other uses is the subject of a special event in Manasquan March 21.

Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program along with the Manasquan Environmental Commission will present a “Build a Rain Barrel” workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday March 21 at the Manasquan Recreation Annex, 67 Atlantic Avenue.

The Build A Rain Barrel workshop falls under RCE’s water resources program, which provides solutions for many of the water quality and quantity issues facing New Jersey.

Participants will have the opportunity to build their own rain barrel and learn how to install it at home. A rain barrel is placed under a gutter’s downspout next to a house to collect rain water from the roof.

The barrel holds approximately 50 gallons of water which can be used to water gardens.

According to workshop organizers, the use of collected rain water can save money on water bills, prevent basement flooding and reduce flooding and pollution in local rivers and streams.

Attendance at the workshop is free. Barrels are offered at $45 each [rain barrels sell for over $100 at specialty garden shops].

Please register in advance by visiting www.water.rutgers.edu.  Please register early.

Barrels can be placed lying down in the backseat of most vehicles to be transported home, but they are the size of a 55 gallon drum. Please make arrangements in advance to transport the barrel home.

The workshop is part of a research project being conducted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension to help determine whether rain barrels encourage adoption of other environmental best management practices by residents.

Participation is voluntary and is open to all New Jersey residents.

For more information, please contact Sara Mellor at 732-932-9800, ext. 6163, or email her at saramellor@envsci.rutgers.edu.  Information is also available on the Manasquan Environmental Commission’s web site at www.squangoesgreen.com

The Environmental Commission is also collecting donations of non-perishable food for the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties at this event.